Gen Bajwa close friend of Kingdom: Saudi expert.

Byline: SHAFQAT ALI

ISLAMABAD -- Only Pakistan as a country can take credit of the recent economic package worth billions of dollars, a leading Saudi think-tank chief said on Tuesday.

In an exclusive interview with The Nation here, International Institute for Iranian Studies Chairman Mohammed S Alsulami said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia put Pakistan first not the government as 'governments come and go.'

'We have very good relations with the Pakistan military and take Pakistan as the most important ally. (Army chief) General (Qamar Javed) Bajwa is a very close friend (of Saudi Arabia). We have good ties with the present government too but the assistance was granted to Pakistan as a country. It is for the people of Pakistan not individuals,' he maintained.

Pakistan has received $2 billion in cash from Saudi Arabia at an interest rate of 3.18 percent, whereas the third tranche of $1 billion is due in the first week of February. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz will also be visiting Pakistan in February to possibly announce new grants. Riyadh has already promised $9 billion deferred oil payments over the next three years.

Mohammed S Alsulami said that an individual or the government cannot take credit for the Saudi assistance. 'We would have given this package to any government (formed by any party). Our military contacts (with Pakistan) are very strong. Even with the civilian government we have close relationship,' he said.

Alsulami said that his think tank aimed to defuse the regional tension and bring the neighbours closer. 'For this we have joined hands with the think tanks and organizations in Pakistan. We are hopeful to work together with the Pakistani organizations for peace and progress,' he added.

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